Former Tulsa Bartender Crowned "American Idol"
Thursday May 22, 2008
Congratulations to former Tulsa bartender David Cook, who took home the top prize on Fox's "American Idol," besting 17 year-old (favorite?) David Archuleta. Only time will tell whether Cook can achieve the same incredible success of Oklahoma native Carrie Underwood, winner of season 4 Idol. But either way, it's nice to see yet another artist with Oklahoma ties doing great things.All of that said, I'm a little perplexed by how the Oklahoma media continues to refer to Cook as a Tulsan. I'll admit that I haven't watched much "American Idol" this season, but Cook is noted as a native of Missouri on the show, if I'm not mistaken. From some bios I've read, he was born in Houston and has only worked/performed in Tulsa clubs for a couple of years at most.
This is absolutely nothing against Cook, who is quite talented, not to mention humble. But has he ever claimed Tulsa as his "hometown" or even spoken of Oklahoma while on the show? I'm honestly asking; I don't have any idea. If so, that's great. I'd welcome him with open arms, another in a long line of famous Oklahoma entertainers. But if not, is this just a case of the media trying to capitalize on popular culture?
Photo: Kevin Winter / Getty Images
Comments
I would say that it is most likely because David Cook introduced himself as “I’m David Cook from Tulsa, Oklahoma” in his original tryout video and referred to being from Tulsa several different times.
I didn’t know that. Thanks for the comment, Robert. From what I’ve read, though, it seems he’s embraced his KC-area heritage since. As I’ve been reminded by e-mail, it’s not a huge deal. But it seems like we have plenty of talented performers to claim as Oklahomans without stretching the definition.
Check out where he says he’s from on his Myspace page.